Numisma

Published Occasionally. ED. FROSSARD, Editor and Proprietor, New York.

NO. 4. JANUARY, 1890. VOL. 10.

ED. FROSSARD,

PUBLISHER OF NUMISMA,

787 and 789 Broadway, New York City.

Importer of rare and authentic Gold and Silver Coins
of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Early American Coins, English Coins, German Double,
Triple, etc., Crowns, Foreign Copper Coins, Siege
Pieces, Masonic Medals, Luther Coins and Medals,
Medical Medals, Artistic Medals, Novelties in Cop-
per Coins, etc., for sale.

Selections of Coins sent on approval.

Catalogues of New York Auction Sales of Coins and
Medals furnished on application, free of charge.

Purchases at all European sales effected at the following
rates, but orders should be sent at least 20 days be-
fore the sale takes place : —

The Franc at 22 1-2 cents, the Reichsmark at 27 1-2 cents,
to cover all expenses, inclusive of transportation,
commission, etc.

Priced Catalogues of Current Sales at low rates.

Collections of Coins, Medals, Bronzes, Bric-a-Brac,
Antiquities, Paper Money, Autographs, Minerals,
Postage Stamps, etc., appraised, carefully and
promptly catalogued for public auction at 12 1-2
per cent, commission and cost of printing, or through
published lists in Numisma at 15 per cent, net on
sales actually effected.

These terms cover every expense ; there are absolutely no
extras.

Special hates for large and valuable collec-
tions; CASH ADVANCES MADE.

COINS, ETC., WANTED.

Colonial Coins. For any of the many issues, in
fine condition, I will pay very high prices.

U. S. Dollars. 1794-1S04, 1836, 1838, 1839, 1831,
1852, 1S5S.

Half Dollars. 1794, 1796, 1797, 1801, 1802, 1815.

Quarter Dollars. 1796, 1804, 1823, 1827 and other
early dates in fine condition.

Dimes. 1796, 1797, 1798, 1800, 1801-1805.

Half Dimes. 1794, 1796, 1797, 1800, 1801, 1802,
1803, 1S05, 1S46.

Cents. Any of the issues between 1793 and 1814 in-
clusive, in fine condition.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,
Vols. I and II Complete.

FINE COINS AND MEDALS of any Country
Ancient and Modern, Bought for Cash.

SPECIAL NOTICE.

The 44th regular invoice of my European agents has just
reached me. It contains an astonishingly fine assortment of
coins and medals to the value of over j>S,ooo.

The principal features are : —

1. A large collection of gold coins and medals of Euro-
pean countries, chiefly over 4 Ducat size and of artistic
excellence.

2. Masonic medals, several not in Marvin.

3. About fifty rare Medical medals.

4. Large historical medals of England and Holland, as
described by Van Loon.

5. Germany, 1, 2,3,4 and 5 crowns, period 1500-1700.
Over 200 pieces.

6. Rome and Greece. Rarities in gold and silver, among
which will be found: Epirus, Pyrrhus Stater; Aetolia
Stater ; Cizicus and Lampsacus, varieties of double
Staters; Ptolemy I and II, double Staters; Aurei from
Julius Caesar to Romulus Augustus, the last of the
Roman emperors, etc., etc.

Prices comparatively low; parcels enclosing selections
of coins in value from $10 to $1000 will be sent to well-
known or responsible collectors on appproval. Correspon-
dence solicited.

AGENCE DE VENTES.

ETABLIE 1874.

Messieurs les amateurs et collectionneurs europeens,
qui desireraient vendre leurs collections d’antiquites, de
bronzes, porcelaines, curiosites, medailles, monnaies, an-
ciennes et modernes, surtout grecques, anglaises, et ^es
Etats-Unis, de timbres-poste, etc., etc., peuvent s’adresser
en toute confiance a Ed. Frossard, 787 et 789 Broadway,
New York, qui se charge de toutes entreprises de ventes
aux Etats-Unis.

La redaction de ce journal se charge aussi de fournir
gratuitement, aux marchands et amateurs europeens qui
en feront la demande, tous les renseignements possibles
sur la valeur de certaines monnaies et medailles ameri-
caines, de la periode 1783-1S14, si recherchdes dans ce
moment aux Etats-Unis.

NUMISMA.

COINS FOR SALE.

NOVELTIES IN COPPER COINS.

Prices per Set or Lot; Postage and Registry Extra. No
orders aggregating less than $1.00 will be filled ; suitable
discount on orders of $10.00 or more.

1 Andora. 1873. 10 Centimes. Crowned

arms and value. Proof. 20. (1) 20

2 Araucania. Orille-Antoine. 1874. 2 Cen-

tavos. Uncirculated. 20. (1) 15

3 Bolivia. 1883. 1 and 2 Centavos. Arms

and value. Uncirculated 16 and 20. (2) 25

4 Brazil. 1871. Medallic 10 Centimes.

Bust of Pedro II ; rev., DON PEDRO VISITE
LA BELGIQUE. iS. Proof. (1) 25

5 — 1872. Medallic 10 Centimes. Bust of

Pedro II ; rev., two shields, etc. 18.

Proof. (1) 25

6 Bulgaria. 1879-1887. 10 Centimes. Arms

of Bulgaria, different revs. Fine. 20. (5) 50

7 Cambodia. Norodom I. i860. 5 and 10

Centimes. Plead and arms. Bright; un-
circulated. 16 and 20. (2) 30

8 Cape ok Good Hope. 1889. Bust of Vic-

toria; rev., arms. Proof. 20. (1) 20

9 Congo. Leopold I. 1888. 1,2, 5, ioCen-

times. Perforation in centre; mint state.
12 to 22. These sets have for months sold

at 25 and 30c. (4) 15

10 France. Napoleon II. 1816. 1, 3, 5, 10

Centimes, essai. Youthful bust and value
in wreath. Fine. 12 to 20. (4) 50

11 Haiti. 1877. 20 Centimes, ess at. Winged

head and value. Mint state. 20. (i)-- 20

12 Labuk. 20 Cents, the laisuk planting

company limited; rev., native charac-
ters. Proof. 16. (1) 25

13 Liberia. 1888. Cent. Shield of arms,

republic of LIBERIA; rev., value in
wreath, star above. Bright red, uncircu-
lated. 124. (1).... 10

14 — 1889. Cent. Same. (1) 10

15 Monaco. Honor6 V. 1838. 5 Centimes,

D6cime. Bust and value in wreath. Fine
to proof. 20 and 22 (2) 40

16 Netherlands. Collection of Historical
Tokens, many with dates. Period, 1525-
1600. Busts of kings, views of cities,
fortresses, etc. ; struck to commemorate
memorable events, sieges, battles, etc. No
duplicates, average condition very fine, a

few pierced. 19. (100) 25 00

17 Orange Free States. 1888. Penny.

Large and small shield and arms. Proof.

20- (2) 40

18 United States. 1864-1865. Two Cents,

bronze. Nearly proof. (2) 08

19 — 1863-1864. Nickel and Bronze Cents.

Nearly proof. (3) 05

20 — Against Rebellion. Shield; rev., blank

for inscription of name of soldier, regi-
ment, etc. 19. (1) 25

21 Bust of Lincoln; rev., blank for name of

soldier, etc 75

22 War of 1861, Bust of McClellan; rev.,

blank as before. (1) 20

23 Aaron White's Pig. Satirical Token. 1837-

1857. Hog rooting, etc. Proof. 23. (1) 30

24 Same. Calendar, with names of Presidents,

etc. Very rare. 25. (1) 50

25 Rebellion Tokens or Copperheads. Differ-

ent; fine and uncirculated. (10) 20

26 Grover Cleveland. Satirical Medalet. “buf-

falo beef takes the Presidential Chair.”
rev., owl on a rattlesnake, etc. Copper,
nearly proof. 18. (1) 15

27 Same, white metal proof 10

28 1686 Colonel Percie Kirk’s Token. Bust;

rev., Britannia seated. Proof 40

AMERICAN COINS.

29 Dollars. 1804. A perfect impression,

superior in condition to the specimen in
the U. S. Mint, Phila., and from the same
dies. Official certificates from Mint offi-
cers and experts will accompany the Dollar
when sold. * * * * Offers for this

beautiful and exceedingly rare coin will be
received by the publisher of Nwnisma, and
the coin will be sold at a satisfactory price.

30 — 1798. Fine 2 00

31 — 1879. Pattern Dollar. Beautiful head

of Liberty facing left. Rev. Eagle de-
fiant, facing left, stands on a cube inscribed
in god WE trust. Unique design, of
which but two were struck. Brilliant proof,
and the finest Pattern Dollar ever issued
at the U. S. Mint 150 00

NUMISMA.

3

5°

5°

37 — '796-

38 — 1797-

38 a— 1797-

39 — 1800.

4 00
1 50

4 00

5 00
5 00
3 o°

5°

00

32 Half Dollar. 1797. Very fine, one of

the best specimens known 100 00

33 Dimes. 1797- Sixteen stars. Sharp and

extremely fine ; rare thus

34 — 1814. Large date. Fine

35 Half Dimes. 1795. Eyeless variety ; sharp,

very fine

36 — 1795. Broken die variety. Fine

Very good

15 stars. Fine

16 stars. Fine, slightly nicked. .

Very fine

40 Birch Pattern Cent. 1792. Bust of Lib-

erty with short flowing hair, liberty
parent of science and industry ; rev.,
united states of America and one
cent in wreath. Lettered edge, fine, one
of the rarest and most interesting coins of
entire U. S. series. Cost $162.50 150 00

41 Cents. 1793. Chain, united states of

AMERICA, without dot after legend and
date. Light bronze ; very fine 20 00

42 — 1793. Wreath, lettered edge. Nearly

fine 7

43 — 1793. Wreath. Variety with flaw in die

across face. Nearly fine 7

44 — 1793. Wreath. Horizontal stem to sprig

under bush. Very fine but letter and
punctures in field. Monograph 7-2 500

45 — 1793. Wreath variety ; very good, edge

slightly cut. Monog. 7-1 500

46 — 1796. Liberty Cap. Date close to bust

and liberty to cap and hair; rev., 5
berries to 1. and 4 to r. branch of wreath.

Sharp, beautiful impression, of light bril-
liant olive, equal to a proof. The finest
impression of this date and variety ever

seen 50 00

Mr. Shorthouse, from whom we purchased this
beautiful Cent, in speaking of it, says: “The one in
my sale brought $63.00. This one beats it into fits ; I
believe it to be a proof ; and you ought to get £ 1 5
($75) for it.”

47 — 1856. Flying Eagle Cent. Very fine.. .

48 Confederate. 1861. Confederate flag, a

united south ; rev., cotton plant, 15 stars.

Size of 3-cent piece, silver, twice pierced,
original, of the utmost rarity 12

49 Washington. Military bust 11 feb o. s.

1732; rev., GENERAL OF THE AMERICAN
armies, etc. The Manly medal, silver,
not original, but very fine. 31 5 00

4 00

50

49«New York Washington Cent. Military bust
tor. non vi virtvtevici; rev., Justice
seated to right, neo-eboracensis, 1786.

Strong impression, fine, and very desir-
able 50 00

50 — 1792. Bust; rev., eagle, o. Washington

president i. So-called Washington Half
Dollar, struck in copper. Fine and

20 OO

5 1 — 1795- Military bust to right', rev., lib-

erty and SECURITY. Lettered edge, of
excessive rarity, a fine impression, unfor-
tunately punctured on obverse. 21 10 00

52 Sommer or Hog Island Shilling. Hog to 1. ;

rev., ship. Original, in very good condi-
tion ; extremely rare 27 50

52aRosA Americana. 1723. Two Pence,

crowned rose. Good 1 25

53 Satirical medal against John Law, founder of

the Mississippi Company. Folly enthron-
ed, ridere regnare est; rev., curious
arms surmounted by a wild-cat. Bronze,
fine 5 00

54 California. El Dorado Agricultural Soci-

ety with view of Sutter’s mill where gold
was first discovered. Silver, very fine and
rare. 28 5 00

55 Canada. Myddelton Token; rev., copper

COMPANY OF UPPER CANADA, ONE HALF

penny. Brilliant copper proof, lacking in
Mr. Shorthouse’s collection, and everybody
knows that his opportunities to acquire
British Colonial rarities were unsurpassed.

This identical piece sold for $85.00 in the
Klein collection 37 50

56 — 1815 Magdalen Island Token. Seal and

cod fish. Copper proof 5 00

57 — 1821 Lauzon Steamboat Token. Pewter,

finest known specimen 18 00

58 — 1837 Bank of Montreal. Penny. Front

view of bank; rev., city bank on label.

Sharp, beautiful impression, equal to a
proof 2 00

59 — 1837 Same as last, but struck on a plan-

chet of double the thickness. Sharp, un-
circulated. Mr. Shorthouse, the owner of
this remarkable piece, in describing it, says,

“ thick planchet, unique, undoubtedly a

trial or pattern piece.” 20 00

59«Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Ship
sailing right, success; rev., halfpenny
token. Fine, rare 3 00

4

NUMISMA.

FOREIGN COINS AND MEDALS; SILVER.

60 Bolivia. 1825. Dollar. Military bust of

Bolivia, padre de la patria ; rev.,
curious figures, holding wreaths over a
sphere ( ?) . Struck at Chuquisaca. Fine,
rare

61 England. James I. Crown, second issue,

rather poor

62 — George III. 1819. Pistrucci Crown.

Very fair

63 — Victoria. 1844. Crown. Very good...

64 — Shakespeare. Bust facing; rev., house

where born. Silver proof. 24

65 — Same. Kuchler's fine medal, with alle-

gorical group. Silver proof. 31

66 Flanders. Bust of Charles II of Spain ;

fortifications at Ostend. Artistic, fine. 28

67 France. Louis XVI. Mortuary Medalet,

struck in Germany. Fine. 20

68 Frankfort. 1817. Medallic Thaler for 3d

Reformation Jubilee. Fine

69 — 1849. Medallic Thaler on Gothe’s Cen-

tennial. Fine

70 Germany. Curious Medal on fleeting time

and how to prolong the watches of night
by card playing. Rare and fine. 24

71 Hanover. 1839. Clausthal mining Thaler.

Good

72 Holland. 1835 and 1840. Centennial of

Schools, one with bust of Daniel Guyot.
Fine. 27 and 29. (2)

73 HongKong. 1866. Half Dollar

74 Peru. 1823. Liberation Dollar, counter-

stamped with crown. Fine

75 Papal States. 1830. Scudo, sede-vacante.

Very fine

76 Potosi. Military bust of Joseph Emanuel;

rev., long inscription in his honor and for
services at Paz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca,
etc. Thick, fine, has been slightly pierced
and plugged. 28

77 Russia. 1830. 3 Roubles, platina. Fine.

78 — * 1833. Rouble. Fine

79 Samoa. Medallic 5 Marks, struck for Berlin

Conference. Bust of William II; rev.,
arms of U. S., England and Germany.

Thick planchet, fine proof

'80 — Same, but thinner planchet. Brilliant

proof

81 — Same. Medallic 2 Marks. Proof

S2 Saxe-Weimar. 1608. Eight Brothers dou-

ble Crown, four busts on each side. Fine,
very rare 7 50

83 Switzerland. Vaud. 1812. Crown of 40

Batzen. Liberty shield and Swiss warrior.

Very fine 3 0o

84 — Zurich. 1647. Two cantonal shields.

3 00 supported by leopards ; rev., inscription in

cartouche. Fine and rare 3 00

2 00 85 — Zurich. 1698. Crown with view of the
city and of the new council house. Very
1 25 fine, extremely rare 400

2 50

3 00
3 00

40
80
1 00

1 00
70

2 50
55

1 00

1 25

ANCIENT COINS.

86 Syracuse. Laureated head; rev., tripod.

Electrum Half Stater of early period. Very
good, rare. Cost $10.00 4 00

87 — Head of Apollo ; rev., lyre. Eighth gold

Stater. Good, rare 2 00

88 Roma. Julius Caesar. Veiled head, C.

caesar cos. ter ; rev., sacrificial imple-
ments. Aureus. Very good, rare 12 00

89 — Augustus and Marc Antony. Head of

Augustus, CAESAR imp; rev., caduceus,
antonivs imp. Fine and rare Denarius.. 2 00

90 — Head of Jupiter; rev., elephant, scipio

imp. Denarius, fine, rare 1 00

91 — Agrippina. Bust; rev. carpentum of

mules. G. B., very good, rare 1 00

92 — Galba. Bust; rev., inscription in wreath.

Fine large G. B., beautiful olive patination.

Cost $10.00 2 50

93 — Trajan. Bust; rev., Fortune reclining.

Denarius ; fine 30

94 — Julia Mamaea. Bust; rev., Fidelity. G.

B., fine 75

95 — Otacilia. Bust; rev., Pudor. G. B.,

fine 75

MASONIC MEDALS.

3 00
2 50
70

2 50

2 00
I 00

96 England. Busts of George, Prince of

Wales, and of William, Duke of Clarence ;
rev., tablets, etc. Bronze, nearly proof,
a beautiful medal, rare. 27. Marvin 262

97 Havre. 1813. □ des H H H. Copper,

good, rare. 19. Marvin 529

98 Limoges. Jeton de presence □ des Artistes

R6unis. Tin, fine, rare. 15. Marvin 651

99 Milan. 1806. Commemorative of the Alli-

ance of the Grand Orients of France and
Milan. Silver, very fine. 25. Marvin 50

4 00
1 00
1 00

3 00

NUMISMA.

5

too Netherlands. 1808. Medal in honor of

Semi-Centennial of Grand Lodge of Hol-
land. Silver, proof. 21. Marvin 216.. 200

101 Paris. Bust of Franklin ; rev., les mac.1.

franc.* . A franklin, etc. Bronze, very
fine. 26. Marvin 59 5 00

102 Pseudo-Masonic Medal, of which full de-

scription will be sent on request. Silver,
very fine. 47 x 26 5 00

103 Gregory X (1271). Papal Seal or Bullae.

Very fine

104 Pietro Mocenigo, doge (1474)- Leaden

Seal. Fine

INDIAN MEDALS.

Chiefly extracts from unpublished notes by Gerald
E. Hart, Esq., and intended by him to have been em-
bodied in the descriptive catalogue of his collection, sold
December, 188S.

The custom of giving medals to the Indians
originated with the sagacious Talon, who sug-
gested it to Colbert in 1670. The earliest men-
tion of a medal being given to an Indian, appears
on page 518, Vol. IX, Paris Documents, which
says : A medal was given to an Indian of the
Sault (Ste. Marie) named Louis Atoriata, godson
to the King, in 1690, for being a faithful ally to
the French people and government. Queen
Anne, on the 16th August, 1710, in a Council
held with the Iroquois, gave a medal (copper) to
each native, with'the royal effigy on the one side,
and the last gained battle on the other, which she
desires “may be kept in your Castles for ever as
a pledge of her protection and as a memorial of
their fidelity.” She also sends her picture in
silver, twenty to each Nation, to be given to the
Chief Warriors to be worn about their neck, as a
token that they shall always be in readiness to
fight under her banner against the common ene-
my. The Indians in their acceptance, stated : —
“ They would bring down the medals given to
their nations, to all public and solemn conferences
to show the same.” (London Documents, Vol. V,
225 et ante.) In 1723, Mdrne Duplessis of Ste.
HeDne, writes from Quebec to a friend : “ The
King, Louis XIV, sent silver medals large enough,

with his portrait on one side, and the Dauphin
with his three sons, the Princes, on the other, to
sive to those who distinguished themselves in
warfare. We have added a brilliant red ribbon
four fingers wide, which is greatly prized by the
Indians.” (Revue Canadienne, Vol. 12, p. 109.)

The earliest mention of Indian medals in the
reign of George I, is in the year 1722, when a
conference was held in Virginia with the Chero-
kee and other Indians. A token in remembrance
was given at the signing of the Treaty of Peace
with them, of a golden horse-shoe breast plate
(gorget) to the President or Chief Sachem, and a
golden medal to each of the other Chiefs. (Col.
Doc. Vol. V, p.677-678.) The medal with the
warrior hunting is the one here alluded to, it be-
ins: gilt for the occasion. On one in the Govern-
ment collection at Ottawa, the gilding is plainly
visible.

George II and III continued the laudable cus-
tom of issuing large massive silver medals to the
Indians ; examples of these are found in good
collections, and occasionally appear at sales. To
show the special regard in which Indians held
these gifts, it may be stated that specimens of
various issues have been found in Indian graves,
both in the United States and Canada.

The French limited their medals to the Indian
chiefs and they were invariably of solid silver,
weighing three to four dollars each. The English
gave theirs promiscuously to warriors and chiefs,
and even good squaws, distinguished only by the
size and plating. Wynne’s British Empire in
America, Vol. II, p. 367, says: — “The English
reduced theirs to brass and copper.” To show
the appreciation of these medals by the Indians,
Governor-General Beauharnais writes to the
French Government in 1727: — “The Indians
from above (i. e. the present Ottawa and Western
Country) when they came down to Montreal,
would not relieve me from promising medals to
several who have served us well among their
tribes. I pray you to enable me to satisfy these
savages and send me a dozen little medals and
six large ones.” It is further recorded that he
( received these in October, 1728. (Canadian
Archives, Reports.)

6

NUMISMA.

The investiture of the chiefs with these medals
was attended with a great deal of ceremony,
pomp and display, and was usually done at a
council in presence of a gathering of the tribes,
by the Governor-General in person. “ Bossu ”
records the appreciation by the Indians, in the
following terms : — “ Chief Lamathle'niugo (a Paw-
nee chieftain) is decorated with a silver medal,
which he wears suspended to his neck by a leather
strap. He said to me often, ‘ he wished to be
buried with his medal as it contained the portrait
of his Father, the King, which he always carried
next to his heart, and as he had always been faith-
ful to him, he hoped in the Kingdom of Heaven
when soul met soul, to meet and shake hands
with him (the King).’” Nouveaux Voyages, Vol.
II, p. 29.

In 1753, Sir Danvers Osborne, the Governor of
New York, brought over with him thirty silver
medals as presents for the Six Nations, “ His
Majesty’s portrait on the one side and the Royal
Arms on the other, with silver loop and ring,
in shagreen cases, with a yard of the best broad
scarlet watered ribbon, silver hooks and eyes.”
(American Historical Magazine, Sept., 1865, p.
285). Evidently a great improvement on previous
gifts, the type of which was adopted for all sub-
sequent medals.

The Philadelphia medal was given for the con-
ference at Easton, a place ninety miles from
Philadelphia, the Indians not being willing to come
closer, fearing an ambuscade or surprise, as they
were not on the most friendly terms with the
English. It is recorded as the greatest and most
important conference ever held by the Indian
nations with the English authorities. The medal
is particularly interesting, being about the earliest
struck medal of American manufacture ; but, un-
fortunately, most of the specimens found, are
simply restrikes from the original dies.

The beautiful American Peace Medals, bearing
on the obverse the bust of one of the Presidents
of the United States, and on the reverse various
emblems with the motto “ Peace and Friendship,”
are well known to American collectors. Origi-
nals, in silver, are very rare; the mint restrikes

e found in all American cabinets.

A silver medal for presentation to friendly
Indian chiefs was designed by the American Fur
Company, during the period of its existence,
1807-1814. The obverse bears the bust of the
President of the Company, John Jacob Astor, and
the letters U. M. O. (Upper Missouri Outfit.)
The reverse is similar to the U. S. Government
medals, with the addition of two American flags,
crossed, and the words “Fort Union.”

At a later period, a medal similar to the regular
Government issues, with the bust of Tyler, but
the inscription “Pierre Chotteau Jr. & Co., Upper
Missouri Outfit,” was struck for distribution
among friendly Indians. From economical reasons
probably this was struck in tin or white metal only.

The medals given by the Canadian Govern-
ment in 1867, were issued upon pacifying the
Northwest Indians, after their objection to Con-
federation and the passage of a railway through
their country had been overruled. They were
paid with silver-plated medals, without even a
loop or ribbon.

ROMAN FAMILY DENARII.

The sale of the collection of Roman Family
Denarii, described in the columns of the last
issue of Numisma, March, 18S9, has not pro-
gressed with the same rapidity as that of the
collection of Bronze Coins of Rome described
in the preceding issue, and quitg a number of the
rarities, as well as many of the finer specimens,
still remain unsold. Among these will be found,
besides the endless varieties of Family coins,
portrait coins of Pompey the Great, M. Aemilius
Lepidus and Augustus, Lepidus and Marc An-
tony, Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar and Marc
Antony, Julius Caesar and Augustus, M. Junius
Brutus, Marc Antony, Antony and Augustus,
Antony and Cleopatra, Augustus, etc., etc. Be-
fore the Lawrence sales, many of these coins
brought enormous prices at New York sales, but
since their acquisition has been simplified, the
demand has diminished. In a market as sensi-
tive as New York, and with the timidity of our
collectors, when dealing with ancient coins, this
is not surprising ; nevertheless, at the prices

NUMJSMA.

7

quoted, these fine and valuable coins ought to
sell much more rapidly.

With the view of making collectors better
acquainted with the merits of this collection, we
will send No. 3, Vol. 10. of Numisma, comprising
12 pp. of most detailed and accurate descriptions
of the Lawrence collection of Roman Family
Coins to any address, free of charge and postage,
and will be pleased to forward any of the coins,
remaining unsold, on approval, with privilege of
selection. Collectors will please note that all of
the so-called duplicates of this collection, which
have been offered and sold by certain dealers, did
not come from the Lawrence cabinet, and while
quoted at the same prices, are much inferior in
preservation, and hence of considerably less
value.

SIDE VIEW BANK TOKENS.

The Canada Penny and Halfpenny tokens, of
the years 183S and 1839, with the side view of
the Bank building, have always been regarded
by Canadian collectors as the very gems of their
cabinets. Until about fifteen months ago speci-
mens were held at very high rates, from $50 to
$75 for the pennies, and frorfi $15 to $25 for the
halfpennies.

Through the instrumentality of one of the most
advanced and enterprising English collectors, a
number of these pieces were gathered from old
hoards and collections in England, and placed in
our hands for sale. We have thus been able
to furnish to Canadian collectors, at moderate
prices, coins which they dared not hope to
acquire, except at the most exorbitant figures.
The supply, however, was limited, all rumors and
reports to the contrary notwithstanding, and for
the present at least, no more can be furnished.
English dealers are now advertising for “ side
views ” in all coins and stamp papers of the king-
dom, and it is quite possible that a few additional
specimens may be discovered, but if so, it is not
likely that any will be sent to us for sale ;
hence, we shall probably be unable to fill further
orders for them.

This is, in one sense, gratifying, because it is
now plainly evident that all those who purchased
through us received a full equivalent for their
money. Should any think otherwise, we respect-
fully request a return of the pieces, to be re-
purchased at satisfactory prices, and for certain
reverse varieties at a considerable advance over
cost.

COIN SALES.

Besides a number of Postage Stamp, Archaeologi-
cal, and other sales of little interest to coin collectors,
we have, during the last two years, held the following
Coin Sales, all at the rooms of Messrs. George A.
Leavitt & Co., New York.

1888, March 9 and 10. Collection of Ancient and
Modern coins, the properties of Gen. R. C. Hawkins
and Mr. L. B. Smith, both of New York. 837 lots.

— July 20. Ancient and Modern coins, medals,
etc. ; also 18,000 American and Foreign copper coins,
and tokens, from the hoard of the late Aaron White
of Conn. 453 lots.

— December 26, 27, 28. The Collection of Gerald
E. Hart, Esq., of Montreal, comprising ancient coins
of Greece, Rome, and Judaea, mediaeval and modern
coins, in gold and silver, chiefly of England and
France, historical medals of America and the most ex-
tensive and complete collection of the coins, medals
and tokens of Canada ever offered at auction. A spec-
ial edition, illustrated with 6 fine heliotype plates, was
issued, of which a few priced copies can still be had
from us at $1.50 each. 1672 lots.

1889, March 12 and 13. The Collections of Ameri-
can coins and medals of Messrs. Nathaniel N. Thayer,
of Boston, and D. H. Turner, Towanda, Pa., silver
coins and medals from the John Allan cabinet, also the
superb collection of ancient and American gold coins
of the late A. M. Gignoux, of Portsmouth, N. H.
Plate catalogues, priced, still for sale, at 50c. 961 lots.

— March 30. Foreign copper and silver coins,
Canada Side View Bank Tokens, etc. 530 lots.

— May 16. American copper and silver coinj, Uni-
ted States Cents, rare Pattern coins, etc. 512 lots.

— July 2. Part II of the Gerald E. Hart Collec-
tion, comprising duplicates of Canada coins and tokens,
rare ancient and modern coins, etc. 534 lots.

— October 18. The Collection of Dr. H. H.
Stebbins of Black Hawk, Col., American coins, silver
coins of all countries, Massachusetts Oak and Pine tree
shillings, etc. 578 lots.

8

NUMISMA.

iS8g, December 24. The collection of American
coins and medals of Mr. J. V. Palmer, of Seneca Falls,
N. Y., a set of medallic Thalers of Ludwig I, of Bava-
ria, interesting Spanish-American coins and medals,
and a very complete series of the historical jetons
struck for the French possessions in America during
the reign of Louis XV. A special edition, containing
artotype plate, with complete illustrations of the jetons
was issued. Copies are still to he had, priced, at 40c.
each. 546 lots.

THE JOHN M. KLEIN COLLECTION.

This magnificent collection of rare coins and medals
of all countries and ages, was offered by W. E. Wood-
ward, Esq., in four successive sales, which took place
at the rooms of Messrs. Bangs & Co., New York, May
21-25, Sept. 10-13, and Oct. 25, 1888, also Feb. 4 and
5, 1889. This collection, on account of its magnitude,
and of the beauty of its material, is worthy to rank with
the Mickley, Bushnell and other great-sales of the past.

It is a curious fact that a large part of this collection
was bought at various sales held by friendly dealers in
New York, during the great coin boom of the years 1878-
82, by a party in whom Mr. Klein placed at that time
the most implicit confidence. This probably accounts
for the fact, that while the aggregate cost of the
collection was near $30,000, yet, at the sale, with
large additions of later purchases, the total amount
realized was under $15,000 or less than half its cost.

It is to be ^regretted that the cataloguer did not
have access to the entire collection at once, as a much
better classification of the coins could have been made.

TWO IMPORTANT COIN SALES.

The collection of American coins made by E. Short-
house, Esq., of England, was sold in New York Decem-
ber 6th last. Mr. Shorthouse was for a long time prob-
ably the only man in England who gave the subject of
American coinage an intelligent attention, and hence
he was extremely successful in gathering together from
private collections and public sales, a large number of
fine and rare American coins, part of which were
offered at this sale. This collection illustrates in a
very pointed way, what kind of American coins are to
be found in England. Stray Colonial coins of great
beauty and value, "strikingly fine specimens of the early
period of the National coinage, a proportionately large
number of Washington cents, tokens, etc., struck in
England for circulation in America — such form the bulk
of the collection. There was enough material in this
collection for a two days’ sale, and the catalogue should
have been illustrated with two or three plates of the
finer cents, etc.

One of the largest and finest Collections of Ameri-
can coins and medals that has been formed in the
United States was that of the late Dr. R. C. Davis,
of Philadelphia. This collection once comprised nearly
the entire series of the national coinage in gold, silver
and copper, besides the most complete collection of
Pattern and Experimental pieces in existence. Even
in its somewhat mutilated form, with the entire collec-
tion of Patterns and several of the rare cents and
other coins missing, this collection yet presented a brill-
iant array of beautiful and desirable coins. In half
dollars, dimes and half dimes, especially, there were a
number of specimens of extraordinary beauty, and, in
this condition of great rarity. Upon these much of the
competition centered, but it may be stated that from
the first to the last number the most lively competition
between various dealers and collectors was constantly
displayed. This sale has proved a rich harvest to
the shrewd parties who manipulated or controlled the
collection from the1 time of its purchase at a very modest
price from the eager heirs of the doctor, to the time
when finally dispersed at auction, and their net total
profits are said to have exceeded the original cost of
I the collection by $1,000. Who’s next ?

NUMISMATIC GOSSIP.

On dit that the well known owner of the finest col-
lection of American coins is looking for a purchaser.
This collection should be in the National Museum,
Washington, to delight and instruct future generations.
We should consider Fts dispersion at auction by coin
speculators ‘ for revenue only’ as a numismatic calam-
ity.— The reporter of the N. Y. Tribune, who repre-
sented the “Coin Boss” as very noisy during the
Davis sale, owes him an apology. Never, within the
recollection of the oldest coin dealer, had his behavior
been so subdued and correct. — The authenticity of a
superb “ Ameri” 1793 Cent, lately sold at auction, is
being questioned. If an electrotype, as asserted by a
Washington collector, it is the most deceiving fraud
ever offered at auction, all New York and Philadelphia
experts having pronounced the piece genuine. — Coun-
try collectors visiting New York, should not fail to
visit T. B. Bennell, at his store, 304 Broadway. He
has always some fine Cents for sale and fora moderate
consideration will furnish his visitor with a pair of
well-fitting shoes, which can hardly ever be worn out.

Do not overlook the fact that we now have for sale
a genuine original Dollar of 1804 in extremely fine
condition. Cash oilers for it are respectfully invited
from dealers and collectors — No charge for present
issue of Numisma is made, yet the receipt of ten cents
in postage stamps to cover in part the expense of
printing and distribution will be thankfully acknowl-
edged and encourage the issue of another number at
an early date. — Do not fail to send order on selections
from No. 1 to 28 : they are the finest and cheapest
copper coins ever offered.